slips trips and falls in laboratories

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Slippery Business

Creating the best slip, trip, and fall prevention program for your lab.

Vince McLeod is an American Board of Industrial Hygiene-certified industrial hygienist and the senior industrial hygienist with Ascend Environmental + Health Hygiene LLC in Winter Garden, Florida. He has more...

Again and again we hear about the dangers of slips, trips, and falls and the heavy cost associated with the resulting injuries. A few recent statistics hammer home the reality of the concern:

1. Slips and falls account for 12 percent of all work related deaths.

2. fatal injuries in slips and falls rank second behind motor vehicle deaths in the workplace., 3. slips and falls cause more than 300,000 disabling injuries and deaths annually., 4. costs in compensation (wages and medical) as a result of slipping accidents average $6,717 per occurrence (more than 41 percent above the average of all other accidents)., 5. work-related accidents in the united states cost $34.8 billion annually. 1.

And you may not think so, but laboratory facilities are prime candidates for slips and falls. The constantly wet surfaces, frequent spills and splashes, constant washing of glassware, etc., all combine to make laboratories some of the places most vulnerable to slips, trips, and falls. So in this issue, the Safety Guys offer a few tips on preventing these types of accidents

Look at the big picture

There are many reasons for slips and falls, but they have one thing in common—they usually could and should have been prevented. Accidents do happen; however, by using a commonsense approach and following some simple key steps we can avoid the major causes of slips and falls. As in other safety programs, employee participation and vigilance are key to success. This is especially important with trips, slips, and falls, as the hazards are dynamic (i.e., constantly changing), so it is imperative that employees observe and take preventive action during their day-to-day activities.

The first thing to do is to take the time to survey your facility and try to identify potential problem areas. Once these trouble zones are spotted, you then can evaluate fixes or different control measures. Finally, implement the corrections and controls. After addressing the trouble areas, it is a simple matter to perform a facility inspection at regular intervals, maintaining, repairing, and replacing controls as needed.

We know from experience that rough, dry concrete sidewalks have good traction and that icy, wet, or smooth surfaces often do not. The technical term for this is coefficient of friction (COF). The higher the COF, the more traction that surface offers. Field measurement of COF is difficult and often inaccurate. The COFs mentioned are from lab data on dry surfaces. For most walking and working surfaces, we should aim for a COF of 0.40 or greater for the best traction. As a reference, a dry, rough concrete sidewalk may have a COF of 1.0 or more, while a wet, smooth surface such as ceramic tile or ice can have a COF of as low as 0.10. Let us keep that in mind as we begin our survey.

Take a walk on the outside

Start by taking a tour outside, walking around the perimeter of your research facility. Make a list of the usual suspects when it comes to areas where trips and falls occur most frequently. These include entrances, sidewalks, steps, and ramps. Take note of the different surfaces and whether they have good traction. We suggest trying the “scuff test” of sliding or kicking your foot along the surface in both dry and wet conditions. If the surface seems slippery, then it is a good candidate for nonskid epoxy coatings or nonslip treads. Areas that are very frequently used in locales with wet weather should also be considered for permanent coverings to reduce slipping.

Are the usual suspects likely to get wet at times other than in inclement weather? For example, does the irrigation system or do sprinklers hit these potential trouble spots? If so, have them corrected immediately. Does their proximity to water, such as from roof drains or storm water systems, lead to regular wetting? Then nonskid coatings with a very high COF are a must.

Do not overlook shipping and receiving areas or loading docks. These high-traffic areas are often exposed and must have excellent traction due to the added hazards of moving loads in and out. Also, make sure all steps, ramps, and elevated docks have appropriate guardrails.

Another hazard to look for is uneven surfaces. Very small changes in elevation can lead to a trip from a “stubbed” toe, resulting in a fall. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires differences in elevation to be a quarter-inch or less.2 The best fix is to fill in or grind down the adjacent areas to smooth them out. If that is not practical, consider yellow safety markings to draw attention to the change in levels.

Since most research facilities do not adhere to a strict 8-to-5 workday and activities can take place before and after daylight hours, make sure you visit your trouble spots in the dark in order to evaluate the lighting. It is very helpful and recommended that a good-quality light meter be used for this survey, and that the results be compared to the national consensus standards.

Inside track

Continuing our inspection indoors, we encounter a variety of uses, each with different requirements. Typically we have offices; break rooms, canteens, and perhaps cafeterias; receiving and storage areas; workshops; and, of course, laboratories. The floor surfaces and the hazards vary with the intended use of each space.

Housekeeping issues are the number one reason for trips and falls indoors. Therefore, avoiding clutter and keeping floors and walkways clear are important for all areas. Check for stray or inappropriate cords, such as extension cords and computer or phone cables, and reroute them properly if they are present. Ensure that mats lie flat, and secure them if they tend to move. Repair any bulges in the carpets, and take extra care where floor surfaces change— for example, where carpet meets tile or other flooring—to keep them smooth and trip-free.

Receiving and storage areas and workshops present special challenges and need a nonslip floor with a high COF. It is a good idea to designate paths and walkways with on-floor markings to aid in keeping these areas clear.

Any specific washing areas or tank rooms need special attention. It is highly recommended that walking and working surfaces in these areas have nonskid coatings, due to their frequently wet conditions. Use anti-fatigue mats wherever employees must stand for long periods. Make sure employees know to clean up any spills immediately. In addition, expanding your lighting survey to indoor areas is another recommended prevention task.

Taking a few hours to inspect your research facility will go a long way in preventing slips, trips, and falls. Most fixes and corrections are low-cost and easily installed and maintained. Given the costs associated with the alternatives, it is hard to argue against a good slip, trip, and fall prevention program.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Healthcare Workers

December 2010, dhhs (niosh) publication number 2011-123.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [2009], the incidence rate of lost-workday injuries from slips, trips, and falls (STFs) on the same level in hospitals was 38.2 per 10,000 employees, which was 90% greater than the average rate for all other private industries combined (20.1 per 10,000 employees). STFs as a whole are the second most common cause of lost-workday injuries in hospitals.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention for Healthcare Workers pdf icon [PDF 979.73KB]

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Slips, trips and falls in the workplace

Walking with your hands full, responding to a text while crossing the parking lot or working with a mess on the floor—each of these seemingly small distractions are actually serious workplace hazards. In June, safety trainings will cover slip, trip and fall prevention at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab).

“Slips, trips and falls are a primary cause of work-related injuries,” said Larry Jaudon, director of Sanford Lab’s Environment, Safety and Health Department. “At Sanford Underground Research Facility, we take a proactive approach to providing a safe and healthy work environment for our team.”

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has identified that slips, trips and falls are responsible for 15% of all accidental deaths; second only to motor vehicle related incidents. In addition to the unnecessary pain and suffering which results from a fall; the National Safety Council reports that slips, trips and falls cost society over 13 billion dollars a year and are the second leading cause of disabling workplace injuries. In general industry, the average cost of a slip, trip or fall, is approximately $40,000.00 per incident.

“We have recently updated our fall protection and fall prevention requirements and will retrain all SDSTA personnel in the requirements of these standards starting in June,” said Jaudon. “Additionally, we have provided for annual refresher training in this subject for all our employees.”

SURF continues to be at the forefront of hazard awareness, ensuring that our personnel are adequately trained and provided with the best possible equipment to protect them from risks associated with slips, trips and falls.

The Environment, Safety and Health Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at  [email protected] .

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Blog / May 16, 2016

3 Big Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

This is an excerpt from our free guide on preventing slips, trips and falls .

A 2014 survey of 1,294 safety professionals revealed the most frequent factors in slip, trip and fall incidents at their workplaces—and a whopping 95% of respondents cited one of three causes.

The main characteristic the three biggest causes have in common is they’re the result of the errors or errors in judgement that people make every day, like how tidy to keep their work area, whether to report a wet surface or debris that could be a trip hazard, how fast to walk, and whether to move blindly around corners. People tend to perceive these hazards (and especially hu­man factors) as being a lot less risky than they actually are, which makes it challenging to find effective and permanent solutions.

Because these factors require constant attention, they can be avoided entirely (or made worse) by employees’ mental states throughout the day.

One step at a time

Most safety programs focus on the physical hazards of slips, trips and falls, like the conditions of commonly used areas such as a well-traveled walking surface, stairway or ladder. Fall hazards should always be your first priority, but you can’t eliminate injuries caused by slips, trips and falls by only dealing with physical factors.

The truth is that many slips, trips and falls are caused  or made worse by a person’s state of mind. When we’re rushing, frustrated, tired or complacent we tend to make errors and decisions that increase the chance of injury.

Nobody chooses to slip and fall. But no matter how effective the rest of your safety program is, your employees have a higher risk of injury due to a slip, trip or fall when they’re in one of these four states.

If you’ve done everything you can to minimize physicals hazards, your next step in preventing slips, trips and falls is clear: you need to address human factors.

Discover how to address human factors in your slips, trips and falls prevention efforts by downloading Solving Slips, Trips and Falls Once and For All: A guide to addressing the physical and human factors in slips, trips and falls  for free.

Slips, Trips and Falls Guide

What You Don’t Know about Same-level Falls

Discover the major physical and human factors involved in slips, trips and falls—and practical solutions to prevent incidents.

Tagged Slips Trips and Falls

EHS Daily Advisor

Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.

Back to Basics, Injuries and Illness

Back to basics: slips, trips, and falls.

Updated: Oct 23, 2023

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine slips, trips, and falls.

How much are workplace slips, trips, and falls costing you?

“Falls on the same level” often get lumped together with falls from height in slips, trips, and falls. While falls from height can sometimes be fatal, falls on the same level can lead to costly nonfatal injuries, resulting in several days away from work for injured workers and workers’ compensation claims for employers.

According to insurer Liberty Mutual, falls on the same level cost employers $8.98 billion a year. Falls on the same level are the second-leading cause of seriously disabling workplace injuries in the insurer’s 2023 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index .

“Overexertion involving outside sources,” or lifting heavy objects, is the index’s leading cause of disabling injuries.

“Slip or trip without fall” is the ninth leading cause of disabling injury, according to Liberty Mutual’s index. Liberty Mutual reported that injuries on slippery or uneven walkways cost employers $1.98 billion a year.

First, some definitions: Slips are a loss of balance directly caused by too little friction between workers’ feet and walking surfaces. Wet surfaces, spills, and weather hazards like ice and snow can lead to a lack of friction.

Trips occur when workers’ feet hit an object and workers are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance.

Falls on the same level occur when workers get too far off their center of balance.

Safety professionals aware of slip, trip, fall hazards

Travelers, another insurer, reported that slips, trips, and falls on the same level are the second-leading cause of injury, accounting for 15% of all accidents, with approximately 25,000 slip, trip, and fall accidents occurring daily in the United States.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls on the same level are the third-leading type of preventable injury at work after exposure to harmful substances and overexertion injuries. Falls on the same level affect every industry and workplace but are prevalent in the service, healthcare, and retail industries, according to the NSC.  

Data shows that the median number of days away from work following a fall on the same level is 12 days.

The NSC suggests that effective signage can help prevent injuries, regulatory violations, and higher insurance premiums.

Slip, trip, and fall hazards show up in many industries, but wholesale and retail trade (WRT) establishments suffer high rates of slip, trip, and fall injuries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offered several recommendations for protecting workers in the wholesale and retail industries.

Hazardous workplace factors include boxes or containers that obstruct workers’ field of vision; ice, rain, and snow; loose mats or rugs; poor lighting; spills that can create slippery surfaces; and walking surfaces that are in disrepair, have protruding nails and boards, or have changes in floor height.

NIOSH’s recommendations for employers include the following:

• Develop a written slip, trip, and fall prevention policy that spells out both employer and worker responsibilities.
• Ensure that aisles and passageways are free of clutter and other tripping hazards.
• Provide proper lighting in all areas indoors and outdoors to reduce shadows, dark areas, and glare so that trip hazards or surface irregularities are clearly visible, and promptly replace burnt-out light bulbs.
• If electrical cords are regularly used in a workspace, install outlets so that cords don’t cross walkways.
• Select flooring material according to the work performed in an area.
• Provide cleanup supplies—paper towels, absorbent material, “wet floor” signs, etc.—at convenient locations in the facility.
• Provide umbrella bags to prevent rainwater from dripping onto the floor.
• Use mats to provide slip-resistant walking surfaces by absorbing liquid and removing dirt, debris, and liquid from shoes. Mats should be large enough so that several footsteps fall on the mat and clean contaminants off the shoes.
• Provide water-absorbent mats near entrances and other areas where water, ice, or snow may drip or be tracked onto the floor.
• In grocery stores, ensure water from produce spray misters is directed onto produce and not spraying onto the floor.
• In grocery stores, provide customers with paper towels and plastic bags and for wet produce to prevent it from dripping water onto the floor.

You should supplement engineering controls with worker training. You need to train employees to identify slip, trip, and fall hazards and how to prevent slips, trips, and falls by using safe cleaning procedures and placing caution signs and/or cones around the site to warn other employees and visitors to avoid wet walking surfaces.

NIOSH also has employer guidance for preventing slips, trips, and falls in health care. According to NIOSH, the top slip, trip, and fall hazards in health care are:

• Contaminants (fluids, food, grease, oil, and water) on the floor;
• Poor drainage of drains and pipes;
• Walking surface irregularities indoors and outdoors like uneven flooring or ground and holes, protrusions, and rocks;
• Weather conditions like ice and snow;
• Inadequate lighting;
• Stairs and handrails;
• Stepstools and ladders;
• Tripping hazards like clutter, loose cords, hoses, wires, and medical tubing; and
• Improper use of floor mats and runners.

NIOSH’s guide includes an extensive checklist of slip, trip, and fall hazards that should be addressed in a healthcare facility.

OSHA has its own checklist for recognizing slip, trip, and fall hazards in the workplace. The list covers the general work environment, as well as aisles and walkways; escalators; elevated surfaces; floor and wall openings; ladders and scaffolding; parking lots and sidewalks; and ramps, stairs, and stairways.

NIOSH also warns young retail workers that slips, trips, and falls can result in bruises, bumps, cuts, fractures, scratches, sprains, and strains. The institute cautions young workers to clear stairs and walkways of tripping hazards like cords and wires, clutter, and  empty cartons; to use handrails when walking up and downstairs; and to clean up spills and anything slippery on floors and the rungs, steps, and feet of ladders.

Control measures and training can be further supplemented with personal protective equipment. Employees who work on wet or contaminated walking surfaces should wear slip-resistant shoes. Workers should choose footwear that’s also resistant to chemicals, heat, and oil.

NIOSH has looked into the value of wearing slip-resistant shoes.

Laboratory studies of slip-resistant footwear to reduce slips, trips, and falls had shown promise in reducing slips, but until a few years ago, there was little research showing the effectiveness of slip-resistant shoes.

In 2019, NIOSH researched the effectiveness of slip-resistant shoes in a study of 17,000 food service workers in 226 school districts serving kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Workers were randomly assigned either to a group that received no-cost, “5-star-rated” slip-resistant shoes or to a group that bought their own slip-resistant shoes.

Researchers looked at workers’ compensation injury claims for accidents caused by slipping on wet or greasy surfaces to evaluate the effectiveness of the shoes.

The group that was provided with highly rated slip-resistant shoes saw a 67% reduction in claims for slip injuries.

There was a baseline of 3.54 slipping injuries per 10,000 months worked among the intervention group, which was reduced to 1.18 slipping injuries per 10,000 months worked after slip-resistant shoes were provided.

Employees who handle materials should ensure the walkways are unobstructed before transporting large materials that might block their view. They should walk with caution and make wide turns at corners. They also should push rather than pull carts to allow a better line of sight.

Housekeeping measures can also help prevent slips, trips, and falls. Your housekeeping policies should include:

• Cleaning floors and work surfaces as soon as they become wet;
• Inspecting refrigerated and freezer cases for water leakage onto the floor surfaces and placing absorbent strips and water-absorbent mats on the floor until the unit is repaired;
• Placing warning signs in wet-floor areas and removing them promptly when floors are clean and dry;
• Using no-skid waxes in slippery areas and using soap that doesn’t leave a slippery residue;
• Maintaining drainage and providing false floors (elevated floors usually 2 to 4 inches above the structural floor designed to provide a surface for safe transit), platforms, or nonslip mats during wet or oily processes;
• Cleaning only one side of a passageway at a time to allow room for passing;
• Keeping passageways clear at all times and marking permanent aisles and passageways; and
• Taping or anchoring electrical cords to floors if they cross walkways.

Workplace housekeeping

In a safety talk handout , the NSC emphasizes the importance of workplace housekeeping in factories and manufacturing plants, offices, and warehouses.

Workplace housekeeping can prevent slip, trip, and fall hazards, as well as control fire hazards and prevent falling objects.

The NSC recommends housekeeping measures suggested by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health (CCOSH) that include:

• Cleaning all spills immediately;
• Mopping or sweeping debris from floors;
• Marking spills and wet areas;
• Removing obstacles from walkways and keeping walkways free of clutter;
• Securing carpets, mats, and rugs that don’t lay flat (tacking or taping floor coverings, for example);
• Ensuring file cabinet or storage drawers are closed;
• Covering cables or cords that cross walkways; and
• Keeping working areas and walkways well lit and replacing used light bulbs and faulty light switches.

Some industry groups tout “how to fall” training as a method of mitigating slip, trip, and fall injuries. Others offer “safe walking” tips like “watch where you are going,” “be aware of your environment,” “keep an eye out for changes in elevation,” and “take your time and don’t rush.”

According to the CCOSH, specialty footwear or training on proper walking and “safe falling” will never be fully effective without adequate housekeeping practices.

Federal regulation

Slip, trip, and fall hazards are addressed in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) walking-working surfaces standards (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910 Subpart D). In 2016, OSHA issued a final rule revising subpart D to incorporate advances in technology, industry best practices, and national consensus standards to ensure cost-efficient and effective worker protection.  The revised rule requires employers to inspect walking-working surfaces regularly to correct, repair, or guard against hazardous conditions.

OSHA defines a “walking-working surface” as “any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location.” Ensure aisles and walkways in your facility are kept clear of slipping or tripping hazards that lead to falls on the same level.

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As it gets colder, consider the risk of slipping on ice – see www.hsa.ie/ice

Every working day seven people are hurt in work slips, trips and falls (STF)   

• See a systematic approach to Slip Risk Assessment and Prevention
• See our online training on Slips, Trips and Falls and  Safer Stairs and Steps  
• See our Information Sheets on Preventing Work STF , Safer Work Stairs and Steps , Preventing Vehicles STF and Choosing Slip-resistant Footwear
• See our internet sections on STF Info , High-risk Areas , Spills , Pedestrian Surfaces , Environmental Cleanliness , Footwear , Ice and Over-used Signs

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The Science Behind Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

Slip, trip, and fall claims carry a high frequency, but typically, low severity, with their associated costs totaling over $11 billion annually. studies focused on surface interactions, in conjunction with human behaviors, may help determine best practices for preventing these incidents..

September 11, 2023

Slipping occurs due to a lack of traction between a foot or shoe sole and the walking surface, but conditions like spills, wet or icy weather elements, or loose rugs or mats are typically common causes of the slip. The science of interacting surfaces in relative motion, known as tribology, can help risk managers understand the importance of proper footwear and floor maintenance, however, there is so much more to account for when understanding why slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents occur.

“Tribology can get as granular as the direction of the tread to increase traction,” said Sonya Luisoni, Senior Risk Control Manager at Safety National. “Yet, these studies are typically conducted in a lab under a controlled environment, which does not translate into the real world very easily. To understand the full scale of the risk, organizations need a more holistic view that accounts for specifics like age, gender, body mechanics, and health risks.”

Here we examine the types of incidents that happen, and what may cause them outside of tribology practices.

Types of STFs

When examining slips, trips, and falls on the same level (STFL) versus those that occur from heights or stairs, there are several classifications. While the nature of work can vary the types of accidents, these are the most common.

Microslip is a slip shorter than 3 cm and generally goes unnoticed.

Slip is as long as 8-10 cm, resulting in instinctive efforts to regain postural control.

Slide is uncontrolled movement of the heel typically when slip is greater than 10 cm. Likely to lead to a loss of balance and result in a fall.

Trip occurs when the swing phase of the foot is interrupted unexpectedly due to inadequately clearing the ground. Irregularities of as little as 5 mm of walking surface can be sufficient to cause a trip.

Loss of balance can be the result of an unexpected forcible connection with an object or person. It can also occur with forcible movement of the floor itself, as when standing in a moving vehicle.

Stumbling is a consequence of slip, trip or loss of balance and refers to the process of falling and subsequent attempts to regain balance rather than being a triggering event.

Biomechanics Increasing STF Risks

Lab environments are helpful for understanding how footwear tread, floor materials, and weather elements impact traction, but they cannot replicate the myriad of gaits and tasks of an individual. These characteristics that affect the motion of our body, or biomechanics, can severely influence falls and severity.

• Gait: Walking involves a complicated combination of challenging central nervous system (CNS) functions. It is estimated that while walking, 80% of the gait cycle is in a continuous state of instability. The dynamic stability is lost and regained in every gait cycle during normal walking. Recovery from a slip, slide or trip relies on a complex interplay of neural and motor control. There is also a level of expectancy that this natural interplay will keep us safely walking. When the expectation does not meet reality, we interrupt the flow and can end up injured from a slip, slide, or fall injury. That may explain why STFs are more prevalent in older and heavier individuals.
• Work Pace: Increased walking speed reduces dynamic walking stability in part because the faster pace increases the required coefficient of friction (RCOF). If the shoe and floor cannot provide the appropriate friction, there’s a risk of slip, slide or fall. Tripping differs from slipping and sliding in that an object abruptly disturbs the dynamic stability of walking. Recovery from a trip depends on factors such as lower extremity muscular power, ability to restore control of the flexing truck, reaction time, step length and walking speed.
• Load Carrying: Carrying a load can be a major factor contributing to STF injuries. As one would expect, the normal recovery mechanisms we employ to recover from a disturbance have to contend with the additional weight of the load. Often, this correction cannot be accomplished in the split second available before losing control.

For more expertise, guidance or resources on this topic, please contact [email protected] .

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Preventing slips, trips, and falls.

There are various ways to suffer slips and falls while working. You can slip and lose your balance, you can trip over objects left improperly left in your walkway, or you can simply fall from an elevated position above the ground. The following are some ways to help minimize slips, trips and falls in your work area. Contact the Occupational Safety Team at EHS for additional assistance or questions specific to your area.

Housekeeping

• Remove all trash, scrap materials, unused materials.
• Keep aisles, exits, and stairs free from materials, pallets, tools, fixtures, or other obstructions.
• Make regular housekeeping a priority. Keep areas clean and orderly so that buildup of trash or materials does not occur in the first place.

Maintenance

• Repair any holes, cracks, or uneven surfaces in the floor that could be a trip hazard.
• Select slip resistant floor coverings for areas that are a slip hazard. Keep floor mats at entry doors to allow for complete wiping of shoes.
• Use Caution Wet Floor signs when working in an area with a wet floor to notify others of the hazard.
• Use handrails. They are there to protect you should a fall occur. If you are carrying a load that impairs your ability to properly use the stairs, use the elevator or find someone to help you.
• Keep stairways in good repair and well lit.
• Never run on stairs

Be aware of your surroundings

• Beware of tripping hazards. Do not leave extension cords, tools, carts, or other items in walkways. If you see these items in walkways, pick up the items, or report the problem to a supervisor.
• Be on the lookout for slip hazards, such as water, grease, oil, food, sawdust, or other debris. Even a small amount is enough to make you fall.
• Walk where you are supposed to walk. Do not take short cuts through areas that are not to be used as walkways.
• Wear work shoes with non-skid soles and rubber heels.
• Be sure to thoroughly clean your shoes when entering a building in rainy or snowy weather.

Preventing falls from higher up

• Always use 3 points of contact when climbing a ladder, scaffold, or other equipment. Never overreach when using a ladder or other elevated equipment.
• Never jump from work platforms, loading docks, trucks, or other equipment.

Slips and Falls

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Slip, Trip, Fall Inspection Form

This sample inspection form helps building and zone managers identify and eliminate slip, trip, and fall hazards found in common/shared areas. Conduct inspections for slip, trip, and fall hazards:

• At least annually, ideally prior to the wet season
• Before, during, and/or after construction and renovation activities, in situations where building occupants and the general public may be affected

For high-risk areas, perform a formal inspection at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently depending on the likelihood for changing conditions. For common areas within the building, the building manager must conduct inspections.

During the inspection, evaluate of the following (at the very minimum):

• Condition of floors, carpets, and steps
• Floor maintenance protocol
• Housekeeping practices
• Lighting levels
• Presence and condition of guardrails/handrails at elevated work surfaces. Refer to  Design Guidelines  for specific requirements.

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